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BVA president challenges assertion on TB strategy
Badger behind tree
"It is difficult to argue that the continued use of controlled shooting for badger culling is appropriate when another more humane and effective method that has been tried and tested is available."
John Blackwell responds to comments that decision is 'inappropriate'

BVA's president John Blackwell has challenged the assertion by some of its specialist divisions that its position on controlled badger shooting is 'inappropriate'.

The BVA ceased its support for controlled shooting earlier this year when pilot culls failed to demonstrate that the method could be used effectively and humanely.

Some specialist divisions of the BVA argue that pilot culls should continue with a combination of cage trapping, shooting and controlled shooting, and have called the BVA's decision to cease support for controlled shooting 'inappropriate'.

In Veterinary Record (Vol.176 No.23), John writes: "It is difficult to argue that the continued use of controlled shooting for badger culling is appropriate when another more humane and effective method that has been tried and tested is available.

"Of course we recognise that for some of our members our position doesn't go far enough, while for others it goes too far. But the process by which we arrived at the position stands up to scrutiny.

"Our position is therefore wholly appropriate and consistent with our previous statements on badge culling, taking into account the available evidence and the wide range of views expressed by our members."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."